Dermoscopy of very small basal cell carcinoma (≤3mm).

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) dermoscopy is key to lower the biopsy threshold of suspicious lesions. There is a scarcity of published data on the dermoscopy of very small BCC (≤3mm) and its differences from larger BCCs. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare dermoscopic features of BCCs measuring ≤3mm, with those from 3 to 10mm. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study, included biopsy-proven BCCs that had dermoscopic photographic images, between January 2017 and December 2022 in a Skin Cancer Center in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinic-pathological and dermoscopic features were compared between very small BCCs (vsBCCs) and a reference group. RESULTS: A total of 326 BCCs in 196 patients were included, of whom 60% were male. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. vsBCCs accounted for 25% of the lesions (81/326). Face and neck were the most frequent locations (53%), especially in very small tumors. The nodular type was more common in very small tumors than in larger lesions, the superficial type was less frequent, and aggressive types were equally prevalent in both groups. On dermoscopy, very small tumors were statistically more likely to present pigmented structures than reference lesions, especially blue-gray dots (67% vs. 54%), vessels were less frequent, particularly short-fine telangiectasias (SFT) (52% vs. 66%), as were other structures such as shiny white structures (SWS), ulceration, micro-erosions, and scales. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Latin-American sample, lacks information on dark phototypes CONCLUSIONS: Pigmented structures, especially blue-gray dots, were most common in vsBCCs when compared to larger lesions; SFT, SWS and other findings were less prevalent.

Dermoscopy of very small basal cell carcinoma (≤3 mm)

Abstract Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) dermoscopy is key to lower the biopsy threshold of suspicious lesions. There is a scarcity of published data on the dermoscopy of very small BCC (≤3 mm) and its differences from larger BCCs. Objective To describe and compare dermoscopic features of BCCs measuring ≤3 mm, with those from 3 to 10 mm. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study, included biopsy-proven BCCs that had dermoscopic photographic images, between January 2017 and December 2022 in a Skin Cancer Center in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinic-pathological and dermoscopic features were compared between very small BCCs (vsBCCs) and a reference group. Results A total of 326 BCCs in 196 patients were included, of whom 60% were male. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. vsBCCs accounted for 25% of the lesions (81/326). Face and neck were the most frequent locations (53%), especially in very small tumors. The nodular type was more common in very small tumors than in larger lesions, the superficial type was less frequent, and aggressive types were equally prevalent in both groups. On dermoscopy, very small tumors were statistically more likely to present pigmented structures than reference lesions, especially blue-gray dots (67% vs. 54%), vessels were less frequent, particularly short-fine telangiectasias (SFT) (52% vs. 66%), as were other structures such as shiny white structures (SWS), ulceration, micro-erosions, and scales. Study limitations Latin-American sample, lacks information on dark phototypes Conclusions Pigmented structures, especially blue-gray dots, were most common in vsBCCs when compared to larger lesions; SFT, SWS and other findings were less prevalent.

Manejo expectante en preeclampsia severa remota del término (24-33,6 semanas): experiencia en centro de alta complejidad / Expectant management in severe preeclampsia remote from term (24-33.6 weeks): experience in a high complexity center

Resumen Introducción: la preeclampsia severa antes de 34 semanas de gestación tiene alto riesgo de complicaciones maternas y fetales. El manejo expectante, pudiera reducir el riesgo de complicaciones de un parto prematuro. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad comparativa del manejo expectante en la prevención de desenlaces adversos maternos y perinatales de las pacientes con preeclampsia severa remota del término. Metodología: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en gestantes con preeclampsia severa entre la 24 a 33,6 semanas, admitidas en un centro de alta complejidad colombiano entre 2011 y 2019. Se compararon medidas descriptivas según el manejo expectante o intervencionistas como grupo de referencia y, de asociación con los desenlaces compuestos maternos y neonatales, además se ajustó por edad gestacional menor a 28 semanas al parto. Resultados: se analizaron 134 pacientes, 110 con manejo expectante y 24 con intervencionista. El manejo expectante tuvo menor probabilidad de cesárea (RR 0,79 IC95% 0,69-0,91) y de resultado compuesto materno (RR 0,67 IC95% 0,57-0,79), que no persistió luego del ajuste. El manejo expectante presentó menor probabilidad de APGAR <7 al minuto (21,6% vs. 40%, RR 0,53 IC95% 0,29-0,97) y de resultado neonatal compuesto (60% vs. 83,3%, RR 0,72 IC95% 0.57-0.90). Al realizar ajuste con edad menor a 28 semanas al parto, el manejo expectante mostró menor probabilidad de APGAR menor a 7 al minuto (RR 0,43 IC95% 0,24-0,75), resultado perinatal adverso compuesto (RR 0,62 IC95% 0,48-0,81), muerte neonatal (RR 0,26 IC95% 0,29-0,71), síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (RR 0,65 IC95% 0,48-0,88), hemorragia intraventricular (RR 0,31 IC95% 0,11-0,89) e ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (RR 0,80 IC95% 0,70-0,92). Conclusión: la preeclampsia severa remota del término es una patología grave y compleja que enfrenta los intereses maternos y los fetales. Debido al controversial enfoque, su manejo debe realizarse en centros de alta complejidad, con participación interdisciplinaria y anteponiendo la individualidad de cada binomio; nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el manejo expectante es razonable cuando las condiciones maternas y fetales lo permiten, especialmente para gestaciones menores a 28 semanas en favor de mejorar los desenlaces fetales sin detrimento de los desenlaces maternos.

Abstract Introduction: severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks of gestational age has a high risk of maternal and fetal complications. Expectant management could decrease the risk of complications associated with premature birth. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of expectant management in the prevention of maternal and perinatal adverse events of patients with severe preeclampsia remote from term. Methodology: a retrospective cohort study in pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia between 24 and 33.6 weeks of gestational age who were admitted in a Colombian high complexity medical center between 2011 and 2019 was carried out. Descriptive measurements of the expectant management and the interventionist management were compared and the association with maternal and neonatal composite outcomes. Results were adjusted by gestational age under 28 weeks of delivery. Results: 134 patients were analyzed; 110 patients with expectant management and 24 interventionist management. Expectant management had a lower probability of cesarean section (RR 0.79 CI95% 0.69-0.91) and maternal composite result (RR 0.67 CI95% 0.57-0.79) that did not persist after the adjustment. Expectant management had a lower probability of APGAR <7 the first minute (21.6% vs. 40%, RR 0.53 CI95% 0.29-0.97) and neonatal composite result (60% vs. 83.3%, RR 0.72 CI95% 0.57-0.90). When adjusting the age under 28 weeks of delivery, the expectant management showed a lower probability of APGAR under 7 at minute one (RR 0.43 CI95% 0.24-0.75), composite outcome of perinatal adverse events (RR 0.62 CI95% 0.48-0.81), neonatal death (RR 0.26 CI95% 0.29-0.71), respiratory distress syndrome (RR 0.65 CI95% 0.48-0.88), intraventricular hemorrhage (RR 0.31 CI95% 0.11-0.89) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (RR 0.80 CI95% 0.70-0.92). Conclusion: severe preeclampsia remote from term is a severe and complex disease which faces maternal and neonatal interests. Due to approach controversies, management should be performed in high complexity centers with a multidisciplinary approach individualizing each binomial; our findings suggest expectant management is reasonable when both maternal and fetal conditions allow it, especially in pregnancies under 28 weeks of gestational age to improve fetal outcomes without risking maternal outcomes.

Perforation of a decubitus gastric ulcer during intragastric balloon retrieval after surreptitious withdrawal of omeprazole.

Male, 24 yo, obesity class 1. We place him a 6 month intragastric balloon. He keeps asymptomatic while taking PPIs, having lost 13 kg in 4 months. He starts on month 5 with epigastric pain, just after abandoning omeprazole on his own. The pain worsens in spite of restarting PPIs and we schedule an urgent retrieval of the balloon. Gastric ulcer perforation occurs during balloon removal and the patient is operated.

The effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program for glycemic control and adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program (CDP) in terms of glycemic control, adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP). METHODS: We compared diabetes control before and 6 months after CDP. The program was based on disease management using a logical model dealing with the following: case management, education and coaching, nutritional assessment, and mental health. RESULTS: The CDP improved glycemic control, HbA1c decreased by 0.56% (p-value=0.004; 95% CI: 0.14-0.98) and 19.1% of the patients reached the HbA1c goal without hypoglycemia. The CDP reduced by 52.4% the indication for SAP due to better glycemic control (36.4%) or non-adherence issues (63.6%); the remaining 47.6% persisted with poor glycemic control despite good adherence and were scaled to SAP. Among the 30 suitable candidates for SAP therapy, 60% did not reach the HbA1c goal and 40% had either hypoglycemic episodes (severe or persistent) or dawn phenomenon. The overall non-adherence rate was 33.3%. CONCLUSIONS: CDP optimized the selection of suitable candidates for SAP by improving glycemic control and identifying adherence issues early. These results provide evidence of the impact of the implementation of patient selection and educational protocols in the real-life setting of a highly experienced clinic.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP) in addition to a comprehensive diabetes program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and the hospital admission rate in patients with type 1 diabetes under real-world settings during a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective real-life study comparing diabetes control before and after SAP therapy initiation. Patients ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes were included. They were followed for 2 years with clinical assessments at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Effectiveness was estimated by difference in medians of HbA1c from baseline and at each follow-up visit. Safety was assessed by comparing the annual rates of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crisis, and hospital admission related to diabetes. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, median age 32 years, women 73%). The main indication for SAP was poor metabolic control (51.2%). At 2 years HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.5% (-0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.2; p<0.0001), HbA1c ≤7% improved from 14.2% to 25.3% (11.1%, 95% CI: 19.7-2.5; p=0.006), and severe hypoglycemia decreased from 22.2% to 14.1% (-8.1%, 95% CI: -16.5 to 0.3; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: SAP therapy improved glycemic control after the third month of use and for up to 2 years of follow-up, with lower rates of hospital admission and severe hypoglycemia. More studies are needed to assess the add-on impact of education programs and technologies for diabetes care.

The effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program for glycemic control and adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program (CDP) in terms of glycemic control, adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP). METHODS: We compared diabetes control before and 6 months after CDP. The program was based on disease management using a logical model dealing with the following: case management, education and coaching, nutritional assessment, and mental health. RESULTS: The CDP improved glycemic control, HbA1c decreased by 0.56% (p-value=0.004; 95% CI: 0.14-0.98) and 19.1% of the patients reached the HbA1c goal without hypoglycemia. The CDP reduced by 52.4% the indication for SAP due to better glycemic control (36.4%) or non-adherence issues (63.6%); the remaining 47.6% persisted with poor glycemic control despite good adherence and were scaled to SAP. Among the 30 suitable candidates for SAP therapy, 60% did not reach the HbA1c goal and 40% had either hypoglycemic episodes (severe or persistent) or dawn phenomenon. The overall non-adherence rate was 33.3%. CONCLUSIONS: CDP optimized the selection of suitable candidates for SAP by improving glycemic control and identifying adherence issues early. These results provide evidence of the impact of the implementation of patient selection and educational protocols in the real-life setting of a highly experienced clinic.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP) in addition to a comprehensive diabetes program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and the hospital admission rate in patients with type 1 diabetes under real-world settings during a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective real-life study comparing diabetes control before and after SAP therapy initiation. Patients ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes were included. They were followed for 2 years with clinical assessments at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Effectiveness was estimated by difference in medians of HbA1c from baseline and at each follow-up visit. Safety was assessed by comparing the annual rates of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crisis, and hospital admission related to diabetes. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, median age 32 years, women 73%). The main indication for SAP was poor metabolic control (51.2%). At 2 years HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.5% (-0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.2; p<0.0001), HbA1c ≤7% improved from 14.2% to 25.3% (11.1%, 95% CI: 19.7-2.5; p=0.006), and severe hypoglycemia decreased from 22.2% to 14.1% (-8.1%, 95% CI: -16.5 to 0.3; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: SAP therapy improved glycemic control after the third month of use and for up to 2 years of follow-up, with lower rates of hospital admission and severe hypoglycemia. More studies are needed to assess the add-on impact of education programs and technologies for diabetes care.

Caracterización de pacientes con tumores neuroendocrinos en un hospital de referencia de alta complejidad / Characterization of patients with neuroendocrine tumors in a referral hospital

Introducción. Los tumores neuroendocrinos comprenden una amplia familia tumoral, siendo de mayor frecuencia aquellos localizados en el tracto gastrointestinal, los pulmones, el timo y el páncreas. Ocurren con poca frecuencia y cursan con un comportamiento biológico variable. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con esta entidad en un hospital de alta complejidad. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo con revisión de historias clínicas correspondientes a pacientes con tumor neuroendocrino, cuya muestra histológica fue analizada en el Departamento de Patología del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia, entre 2010 y 2015. Se describen frecuencias de localización, grado de diferenciación y perfil de inmunohistoquímica. Resultados. Se revisaron 111 historias, de las que el 51,5 % correspondió a pacientes masculinos, con una mediana de edad al momento del diagnóstico de 48 años. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron: hipertensión arterial (38,6 %), hipotiroidismo (15,8 %) y diabetes mellitus (11,9 %). El antecedente de neoplasia estuvo presente en el 13,9 % de los casos. Un 59,4 % de las muestras correspondieron a tumores primarios, el 34,8 % estaban localizados en el páncreas. El hígado fue el órgano más comprometido por metástasis (73,3 %). De los tumores neuroendocrinos, el 27 % correspondió a tumores grado 1 del tracto gastrointestinal o del páncreas, el 36 % a grado 2 y el 27,9 % a grado 3. El 3,6 % correspondió a tumores pulmonares de grado bajo o intermedio y el 5,4 % a tumores pulmonares de alto grado. Los marcadores tumorales con mayor positividad fueron sinaptofisina (97,2 %), citoqueratinas AE1/AE3 (95 %), CD56 (91,3 %) y cromogranina (87,8 %). Discusión. Los tumores neuroendocrinos tienen características clínicas e histopatológicas diversas. Conocer las características de los pacientes afectados permite una aproximación de la epidemiología local aplicable a futuras investigaciones

Introduction. Neuroendocrine tumors comprise a broad family of tumors, the most common being those located in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, thymus, and pancreas. They occur infrequently and have a variable biological behavior. The objective of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with this entity in a highly complex hospital.Methods. Descriptive study with review of medical records corresponding to patients with neuroendocrine tu-mors, whose histological sample was analyzed in the Pathology Department of the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2010 and 2015. Frequencies of location, degree of differentiation and immune-histochemistry profile are described.Results. One hundred eleven histories were reviewed, of which 51.5% corresponded to male patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 48 years. The most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (38.6%), hypothyroidism (15.8%) and diabetes mellitus (11.9%). Medical history of neoplasia was present in 13.9% of the cases. 59.4% of the samples corresponded to primary tumors, 34.8% were located in the pancreas. The liver was the organ most compromised by metastasis (73.3%). Of the neuroendocrine tumors, 27% corresponded to grade 1 tumors of the gastrointestinal tract or pancreas, 36% to grade 2 and 27.9% to grade 3; 3.6% corresponded to low or intermediate grade lung tumors and 5.4% to high-grade lung tumors. The tumor markers with the highest positivity were synaptophysin (97.2%), cytokeratins AE1/AE3 (95%), CD56 (91.3%) and chromogranin (87.8%).Discusion. Neuroendocrine tumors have diverse clinical and histopathologic features. Knowing the characteristics of affected patients allows an approximation of local epidemiology applicable to future research

Seudoartrosis del escafoides: experiencia con injerto óseo vascularizado del primer metacarpiano. Serie de casos / Scaphoid pseudoarthrosis: experience with vascularized bone graft of the first metacarpal. Case series

Introducción describir los resultados clínicos, funcionales y radiológicos de pacientes con seudoartrosis de fractura del escafoides, sometidos a cirugía con la técnica de Bertelli. en un centro de cuarto nivel de complejidad. Materiales & Métodos Serie de casos en un centro de cuarto nivel de complejidad entre el 2005 y 2016 de pacientes con fractura de escafoides en seudoartrosis sometidos a cirugía de revisión con injerto vascularizado de la primera arteria dorsal metacarpiana según la técnica de Bertelli. Se tomaron datos de historias clínicas, que se analizaron con medidas descriptivas de resumen. Resultados se analizaron 11 pacientes con una edad promedio de 30,1 años. El 72,7% fue llevado a osteosíntesis como manejo inicial. El procedimiento de revisión se realizó en una mediana de 380 días. Se reportaron complicaciones pos-quirúrgicas: necrosis del injerto en un paciente, necesidad de re-intervención en cuatro y no hubo infecciones. En el 72,7% se observó consolidación de la fractura y ocurrió en promedio a los 7,6 meses. La mitad de los pacientes tuvieron un puntaje DASH de 9 o menos y reportaron percepción de dolor leve - moderado el 90,9%. La mediana de seguimiento fue 14 meses. Discusión la ventaja de esta técnica es su reproducibilidad y versatilidad, pues su pedículo vascular constante y de buena longitud, permite utilizarse por un abordaje dorsal o palmar y para no consolidaciones del polo proximal, cintura o polo distal del escafoides. Este estudio mostró buenos resultados clínicos y funcionales, asociados a una baja tasa de complicaciones. Nivel de evidencia IV

Background The aim of study is to describe the clinical, functional, and radiological results in patients with pseudoarthrosis of scaphoid fractures who that underwent surgery using Bertelli's et al. technique. Methods Case series of patients with nonunion of scaphoid fractures in a high complexity care center between 2005 and 2016, who underwent revision surgery with vascularized bone graft of the first metacarpal dorsal artery according to Bertelli's et al. technique. Data were collected from clinical records, and it waswere analyzed using descriptive summary measures. Results The analysis included 11 patients with a mean age of 30,1 years (S.D: 9). 72,7% of the patients underwent conventional osteosynthesis as the initial approach. The revision surgery was performed with a median of 380 days (interquartile range: 194-470); there were no intraoperative complications. Post- surgery complications, such as graft necrosis, were reported in a one patient (9,1%), the need of for re-intervention in four patients and there were no infection related complications. Fracture union was seen in 72,7% patients in a mean of 7,6 months (S.D: 2,9) after the intervention. Half of the patient had a DASH score of 9 points or less. 54,5 reported pain as mild, 36,4% as moderate and without pain 9,1%. The median follow up period was 14 months and only one patient developed carpal arthritis. Discussion The advantage of this surgical technique is its reproducibility and versatility, thanks due to the constant and long vascular pedicle; this allows using dorsal or palmar approaches, as well as for the management of scaphoid nonunions of the proximal pole, waist, or distal pole. This study shows good clinical and functional results outcomes with a low rate of complications. Evidence Level IV

[Clinical impact of ertapenem de-escalation in critically-ill patients with Enterobacteriaceae infections]. / Impacto clínico del desescalamiento a ertapenem en pacientes críticos con infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae.

BACKGROUND: Ertapenem has proven to be effective for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae but lacks activity against non-fermenters; de-escalation to this antibiotic may reduce the selection of resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and improve clinical outcomes. AIM: To evaluate the clinical impact of de-escalation from broad-spectrum anti-pseudomonal agents to ertapenem, a non-pseudomonal antibiotics for Enterobacteriaceae infections in critically-ill patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) who had Enterobacteriaceae infections and were de-escalated from empiric anti-pseudomonal coverage to non-pseudomonal antibiotics. Cox proportional hazards models were performed comparing all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay between patients who remained on anti-pseudomonal coverage versus those who were de-escalated to ertapenem. RESULTS: 105 patients in the anti-pseudomonal group were compared to 148 patients in the ertapenem de-escalation group. De-escalation was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared to patients who remained on anti-pseudomonal coverage (adjusted Hazard Ratio 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12-0.46). The length of ICU stay was similar between the groups. DISCUSSION: ICU patients with Enterobacteriaceae infections de-escalated to ertapenem therapy had better outcomes compared to patients who remained on broad-spectrum, anti-pseudomonal therapy, suggesting that de-escalation is a safe approach amongst ICU patients.

Impacto clínico del desescalamiento a ertapenem en pacientes críticos con infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae / Clinical impact of ertapenem de-escalation in critically-ill patients with Enterobacteriaceae infections

Resumen Introducción: Ertapenem ha demostrado eficacia frente a Enterobacteriaceae productoras de β-lactamasas de espectro extendido, pero carece de actividad contra bacterias no fermentadoras; el desescalamiento a este antimicrobiano cuando no existe la presencia de P. aeruginosa podría reducir la presión selectiva contra esta bacteria y mejorar los resultados clínicos. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto clínico del desescalamiento de antimicrobianos con cobertura anti-pseudomonas a ertapenem, un agente sin este espectro, en pacientes críticos con infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en adultos admitidos a Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo (UCI) con infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae, que habían sido desescalados de una cobertura anti-pseudomonas, a un antimicrobiano sin la misma (ertapenem). Se realizó un modelo de riesgo proporcional de Cox comparando mortalidad por cualquier causa y duración de estancia hospitalaria entre aquellos pacientes que permanecieron con cobertura anti-pseudomonas versus aquellos que fueron desescalados a ertapenem. Resultados: 105 pacientes en el grupo anti-pseudomonas fueron comparados con 148 pacientes del grupo de desescalamiento a ertapenem. El desescalamiento estuvo asociado con una menor mortalidad por cualquier causa comparado con los pacientes que permanecieron con cobertura anti-pseudomonas (hazard ratio ajustado 0,24; IC 95%: 0,12-0,46). La estancia hospitalaria en UCI fue similar en ambos grupos. Discusión: Los pacientes de UCI con infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae desescalados a terapia con ertapenem, tuvieron mejores resultados clínicos comparados con aquellos que permanecieron en terapia anti-pseudomonas, sugiriendo que el desescalamiento es una práctica segura en esta población.

Background: Ertapenem has proven to be effective for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae but lacks activity against non-fermenters; de-escalation to this antibiotic may reduce the selection of resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and improve clinical outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the clinical impact of de-escalation from broad-spectrum anti-pseudomonal agents to ertapenem, a non-pseudomonal antibiotics for Enterobacteriaceae infections in critically-ill patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) who had Enterobacteriaceae infections and were de-escalated from empiric anti-pseudomonal coverage to non-pseudomonal antibiotics. Cox proportional hazards models were performed comparing all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay between patients who remained on anti-pseudomonal coverage versus those who were de-escalated to ertapenem. Results: 105 patients in the anti-pseudomonal group were compared to 148 patients in the ertapenem de-escalation group. De-escalation was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared to patients who remained on anti-pseudomonal coverage (adjusted Hazard Ratio 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12-0.46). The length of ICU stay was similar between the groups. Discussion: ICU patients with Enterobacteriaceae infections de-escalated to ertapenem therapy had better outcomes compared to patients who remained on broad-spectrum, anti-pseudomonal therapy, suggesting that de-escalation is a safe approach amongst ICU patients.

Endometriosis de la pared abdominal: estudio descriptivo de una serie de 21 casos / Abdominal wall endometriosis: A descriptive study of a series of 21 cases

Introducción. La endometriosis de la pared abdominal se define como la presencia de tejido endometrial en cualquiera de las capas que componen la pared abdominal. Su incidencia es baja y se caracteriza por un diagnóstico tardío. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo entre 2010 y 2014 en pacientes con endometriosis de la pared abdominal, cuyo análisis patológico fue realizado en un centro de ayudas diagnósticas de Medellín. Se identificaron las variables histopatológicas del reporte, y la información clínica mediante una entrevista telefónica suministrada por la paciente. Se analizaron los datos con medidas descriptivas de resumen. Resultados. Participaron 21 de 65 pacientes con diagnóstico de endometriosis de la pared abdominal. La media de edad al momento del diagnóstico fue de 35,3 años (desviación estándar, DE=8), el 71,4 % tenía el antecedente de cesárea y, el 38,1 %, el de endometriosis pélvica. El 95,2 % de las pacientes manifestaron dolor, de las cuales el 50 % lo percibió como constante con agudización cíclica y, el 40 %, como cíclico; además, el 90,5 % manifestó sensación de masa. La mediana del tiempo desde la aparición de la lesión hasta el diagnóstico, fue de 24 meses (RIQ=6-60). Solo en cuatro pacientes se hizo el diagnóstico prequirúrgico. El tratamiento fue quirúrgico en todas las pacientes y ocho (38,1 %) presentaron recidiva.Conclusiones. La endometriosis de la pared abdominal usualmente se manifiesta como masas dolorosas aso-ciadas con cicatrices quirúrgicas previas, generalmente de origen ginecológico y los síntomas empeoran con la menstruación. Es usual que su diagnóstico sea tardío y pocas veces se hace antes del estudio histopatológico. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica, aunque no es despreciable el porcentaje de recidivas (AU)

Introduction: Abdominal wall endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue in any of the layers that compose the abdominal wall. It has a low incidence and is characterized by a late diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, ambispective study that included patients with abdominal wall endometriosis whose pathological analysis was performed in a diagnostic center in Medellín between 2010 and 2014. Histopathological variables of the report were identified, and clinical information was provided by the patient by a phone interview. They were analyzed with descriptive summary measures.Results: 21 patients with abdominal wall endometriosis of 65 identified participated. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.3 years ± 8, 71.4% had a prior caesarean section and 38.1% had pelvic endometriosis. 95.2% manifested pain, among them, 50% was perceived as constant with cyclical exacerbation, 40% cyclical; 90.5% manifested mass sensation. The median from the onset of the lesion to the diagnosis was 24 months (IQR 6-60). Only four patients had pre-surgical. The treatment was surgical in all patients and eight (38.1%) had recurrence.Conclusions: Abdominal wall endometriosis usually manifests through painful masses associated with previous surgical scars usually of gynecological origin and whose symptoms worsen with menstruation. Its diagnosis is usually late and it is rarely reached before the histopathological study. Management of choice is surgical resection, however, its percentage of recurrence is not negligible (AU)

Descripción del uso de ertapenem en un hospital público de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia / Description of the use of ertapenem in a high complexity public hospital in Medellin, Colombia

Objetivo: describir el uso de ertapenem y las características clínico-microbiológicas de los pacientes durante la admisión en centro de cuarto nivel de complejidad en Medellín, Colombia entre 2009 y 2012. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes que recibieron ertapenem como terapia antibiótica. Resultados: 1390 historias clínicas revisadas, 835 cumplieron criterios de selección. Ertapenem se usó un 36,9% para manejo de infecciones urinarias y 28,1% en infección intraabdominal principalmente; en 84% se realizó cultivo microbiológico y en 80% se aisló algún germen, entre ellos 42,5% E. coli, 24,3% K. pneumoniae y 5,8% P. mirabilis. Las cepas Beta Lactamasa de Espectro Extendido de E. coli y K. pneumoniae fueron 39,8% y 57% respectivamente. La susceptibilidad a ertapenem en E. coli fue de 96,6% y K. pneumoniae 94,4%. Conclusiones: ertapenem ofrece resultados clínicos favorablesen el manejo de infecciones urinarias e intraabdominales. Es una alternativa para el manejo empírico de infecciones de origen comunitario y como terapia dirigida en infecciones hospitalarias..(AU)

Objective: to describe the use of ertapenem along with the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients during their admission to a fourth-level health care facility in Medellin, Colombia between 2009 and 2012. Materials and Methods: a descriptive retrospective study on patients that were given antibiotic therapy with ertapenem.Results: 1390 clinical charts were reviewed, selecting 835 according to selection criteria. Ertapenem was prescribed in 36,9% for urinary tract infections and 28,1% for intraabdominal infections; 60% of the patients were located on general wards at the time of treatment with ertapenem. Microbiological cultures were performed for 84% of patients and 80% of those were positive, with 42,5% E. coli, 24,3% K. pneumoniae and 5,8% P. mirabilis. Extended spectrum betalactamases were found in 39,8% of the E. coli and 57% K. pneumoniae strains. Susceptibility of E. coli strains to ertapenem was 96,6% and 94,4% for K. pneumoniae. Conclusions: ertapenem offers favorable results when used for the treatment of urinary tract and intraabdominal infections. It is an alternative for empirical management of infections acquired outside the hospital setting, and and as directed therapy in hospital infections..(AU)

Colecistectomía por laparoscopia en colecistitis subaguda: análisis retrospectivo de pacientes en un hospital universitario / Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in subacute cholecystitis: retrospective analysis at a university hospital

Objetivo. Describir los resultados clínicos y quirúrgicos de la colecistectomía por laparoscopia, en pacientes con colecistitis subaguda hospitalizados en una institución universitaria de alta complejidad. Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de colecistitis subaguda, intervenidos con colecistectomía por laparoscopia, que fueron hospitalizados en una institución universitaria de alto nivel de complejidad entre enero y diciembre de 2014. Se evaluaron sus características sociodemográficas, clínicas, del procedimiento, las complicaciones operatorias y a los 30 días, así como la estancia hospitalaria. Resultados. Se analizaron 184 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 59 años (DE=19,34), el 61 % de sexo femenino. La mayoría de los pacientes (69%) tenían hallazgos intraoperatorios correspondientes a plastrón, piocolecisto, necrosis y perforación. En 13 % de los pacientes fue necesaria la conversión a cirugía abierta, y entre las complicaciones se presentó sangrado operatorio en 13 %, fístula biliar en 2,7 % y lesión de la vía biliar en 0,5 %. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 1,1 %. Concusiones. La colecistectomía laparoscópica es un procedimiento seguro con una baja tasa de complicaciones, incluso, cuando se practica en casos con más de 72 horas de iniciados los síntomas. Es indispensable que dicho procedimiento sea realizado por un grupo con gran experiencia en cirugía laparoscópica

Objective: To report the clinical results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with subacute cholecystitis hospitalized at a high complexity level of care university hospital in Medellín, Colombia.Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in adult patients diagnosed with subacute cholecystitis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January and December 2014. Sociodemographic, clinical, procedural characteristics, intraoperative complications at 30 days, as well as the hospital stay, were evaluated. Results: A total of 184 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 59 years, predominantly female (61%); open surgery conversion rate was 13%, intraoperative bleeding 13%, biliary fistula 2.7%, bile duct injury 0.5%, and global mortality 1.1%. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure with a low rate of complications, even when performed in patients with more than 72 hours of symptom onset. It is essential that this procedure be performed by a group with high experience in laparoscopic surgery

Clinical Outcomes After 1 Year of Augmented Insulin Pump Therapy in Patients with Diabetes in a Specialized Diabetes Center in Medellín, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes can be difficult to control. Augmented pump therapy (CSII-rtCGM) has become an important tool for controlling blood glucose and decreasing hypoglycemia. METHODS: Describe the results 1 year after starting CSII-rtCGM in patients with diabetes in Medellín, Colombia. This is an observational, retrospective study. Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes started on CSII-rtCGM between January 2008 and June 2015 were included. Qualitative variables were analyzed as absolute or relative frequencies. Quantitative variables were obtained through central tendency and dispersion according to the normal distribution of the analyzed variable using Kolmogorov-Smirnov. SPSS 19 from IBM was used. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-seven patients were identified, of those 183 were included. The starting HbA1C was 8.7% ± 1.7% and 7.4% ± 0.8% (P < 0.05) 1 year later. 16.5% of patients had been admitted to the hospital before starting CSII-rtCGM, after 1 year the admission rate was 6.0% (P < 0.05). The incidence of severe hypoglycemia at the beginning was 32%, 1 year later it was 7.1%. CONCLUSION: CSII-rtCGM therapy improves glucose control and decreases severe hypoglycemic events and hospital admission rate.

[Clinical and microbiological characteristics of complicated intra-abdominal infection in Colombia: a multicenter study]. / Características clínicas y microbiológicas de la infección intra-abdominal complicada en Colombia: un estudio multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Complicated community-acquired intra-abdominal infections (CA-cIAI) are a common cause of acute abdomen. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical and microbiology profile of CA-cIAI in four Colombian hospitals. METHODS: This is a prospective, descriptive study, between 08-2012 and 09-2014, including patients with CA-cIAI > 15 years. Data collected included: socio-demographic, clinical, diagnosis, and isolates of the first culture obtained aseptically during surgery with antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: 192 patients were included, 62% men, median age 47.3 years. Co-morbidities were present in 38.4%, 13% had been hospitalized in the previous year 13%, and 9.4% had received antibiotics in the last 6 months; 44.3% were admitted for appendicitis, 17.7% for peritonitis and 16.7% for bowel perforation. CA-cIAI were assessed as moderate in 64.1% of the cases and were treated with ampicillin/sulbactam (SAM) and ertapenem. In 70.8% of cases a bacteria was isolated: 65.1% were gramnegative rods (80.0% Escherichia coli, 44.8% of them susceptible to pipercillin/tazobactam, 65.7% to SAM; 11.2 % were K.pneumoniae, 85% was susceptible for SAM; 16.7% were grampositive cocci (28.1% Streptococci viridans group). The median hospital stay was 7 days and 15.1% died. CONCLUSIONS: E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. viridans were the main organisms to consider in an empiric therapy for CA-cIAI and it is important to know the local epidemiology in order to choose the right antibiotic.

Características clínicas y microbiológicas de la infección intra-abdominal complicada en Colombia: un estudio multicéntrico / Clinical and microbiological characteristics of complicated intra-abdominal infection in Colombia: a multicenter study

Introducción: La infección intra-abdominal complicada adquirida en la comunidad (IIAc-AC) es una causa frecuente de abdomen agudo. Objetivo: Identificar el perfil clínico y microbiológico de la IIAc-AC en cuatro hospitales de Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo entre 07-2012 y 09-2014 en pacientes de 15 o más años con IIAc-AC. Se midieron las frecuencias de variables socio-demográficas, clínicas, diagnóstico, aislamientos y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana del primer cultivo obtenido asépticamente del sitio de infección. Resultados: 192 pacientes incluidos, 62% hombres, edad media 47,3 años; 38,4% con co-morbilidad, 13% hospitalizados en el último año y 9,4% recibieron antimicrobianos en los últimos seis meses. Fueron admitidos 44,3%, por apendicitis 17,7% por peritonitis y 16,7% por perforación intestinal. El 64,1% de las IIAc-AC fue moderada y tratada con ampicilina/sulbactam (SAM) y ertapenem. En 70,8% se aisló al menos un microorganismo en: 65,1% bacilos gramnegativos (80,0% Escherichia coli, 44,8% susceptible a piperacilina/tazobactam, 65,7% a SAM y 11,2% Klebsiella pneumoniae, 85% susceptibles a SAM) y en 16,7% especies grampositivas (28,1% Streptococcus grupo viridans). La mediana de hospitalización fue siete días y 15,1% fallecieron. Conclusión: Escherichia coli y K. pneumoniae en IIAc-AC son los principales microorganismos a cubrir en la terapia empírica y es necesario conocer la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en cada región para seleccionar un tratamiento empírico adecuado.

Introduction: Complicated community-acquired intra-abdominal infections (CA-cIAI) are a common cause of acute abdomen. Objective: To identify the clinical and microbiology profile of CA-cIAI in four Colombian hospitals. Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive study, between 08-2012 and 09-2014, including patients with CA-cIAI > 15 years. Data collected included: socio-demographic, clinical, diagnosis, and isolates of the first culture obtained aseptically during surgery with antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: 192 patients were included, 62% men, median age 47.3 years. Co-morbidities were present in 38.4%, 13% had been hospitalized in the previous year 13%, and 9.4% had received antibiotics in the last 6 months; 44.3% were admitted for appendicitis, 17.7% for peritonitis and 16.7% for bowel perforation. CA-cIAI were assessed as moderate in 64.1% of the cases and were treated with ampicillin/sulbactam (SAM) and ertapenem. In 70.8% of cases a bacteria was isolated: 65.1% were gramnegative rods (80.0% Escherichia coli, 44.8% of them susceptible to pipercillin/tazobactam, 65.7% to SAM; 11.2 % were K.pneumoniae, 85% was susceptible for SAM; 16.7% were grampositive cocci (28.1% Streptococci viridans group). The median hospital stay was 7 days and 15.1% died. Conclusions: E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. viridans were the main organisms to consider in an empiric therapy for CA-cIAI and it is important to know the local epidemiology in order to choose the right antibiotic.

Epidemiological characterization of diabetic patients on therapy with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring in real time.

OBJECTIVE: To describe baseline characteristics of diabetic patients who were started on insulin pump and real time continuous glucose monitor (CSII-rtCGM) in a specialized center in Medellin, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with diabetes with complete data who were started on CSII-rtCGM between February 2010 and May 2014 were included. This is a descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: 141 of 174 patients attending the clinic were included. 90,1% had type 1diabetes (T1D). The average age of T1D patients at the beginning of therapy was 31,4 years (SD 14,1). 75.8% of patients had normal weight (BMI<25), 21.0% were overweight (BMI 25-30) and 2,3% were obese (BMI>30). The median duration of T1D was 13 years (P25-P75=10.7-22.0). 14,2% of the patients were admitted at least once in the year preceding the start of CSII-rtCGM because of diabetes related complications. Mean A1c was 8.6%±1.46%. The main reasons for starting CSII-rtCGM were: poor glycemic control (50.2%); frequent hypoglycemia, nocturnal hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia related to exercise, asymptomatic hypoglycemia (30.2%); severe hypoglycemia (16.44%) and dawn phenomena (3.1%). CONCLUSION: Baseline characteristics of patients included in this study who were started on CSII-rtCGM are similar to those reported in the literature. The Clinic starts CSII-rtCGM mainly in T1D patients with poor glycemic control, frequent or severe hypoglycemia despite being on basal/bolus therapy.